Mexico Brief Information

Mexico Brief Information

Geography, population, religion, time

According to a2zgov.com, the capital is Mexico City with a population of 15 million people, the population of the country is 94 million people. The total area is over 1958.2 sq. km. The highest point is Mount Orizaba (5700 m). The average air and sea water temperature is +25C (in winter) – +35C (in summer) and +26C, respectively. The main river is the Rio Bravo del Norte. The dominant religion is Catholicism. Time is 9 hours behind Moscow in Mexico City and 11 hours on the Pacific coast.

Language

The official language is Spanish, but English, French and German are widely spoken in the resort areas.

Local currency and banks

The national currency of Mexico is the peso. In circulation are banknotes in denominations of 100, 50, 20 and pesos, as well as coins of 1, 2, 5, 10 pesos, 50, 20, 10 and 5 centavos (cents). 1 peso = 100 centavos (cents). Prices in “new” pesos are marked with NP$. The $ sign is used for both the peso and the US dollar (US$ or USD only). US dollars are not accepted everywhere (the exchange rate is not the most profitable).

There are restrictions on the exchange of US dollars in hotels. Each hotel sets its own limit. Limited currency exchange is also possible at exchange offices and banks.

Currency exchange can be done at banks, hotels, airports (usually the most favorable rate) or specialized exchange offices “casas de cambio”. Often there are difficulties with the exchange of shabby banknotes or banknotes of the old series. Most hotels, restaurants, shops accept the most famous credit cards (VISA, MASTER CARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS) and travelers checks (preferably in US dollars). In resort areas, the ATM system is widely developed.

Banks are open from 9.00 to 17.00 on weekdays (some bank branches are open until 24.00 or 01.00), and from 9.00 to 14.00 on Saturday. Sunday is a day off. Some bank branches in resort areas are also open from 16.00 to 18.00, on Saturday – from 10.00 to 13.30 and from 16.00 to 18.00, and also on Sunday – from 10.00 to 13.30.

At the airport, the exchange rate is often more favorable than in the banks of the city. We recommend that you immediately exchange part of the currency upon arrival, especially for those who go on an excursion program around the country (it can be difficult to find an exchange office in small towns). The maximum amount for exchanging American dollars for Mexican pesos in banks and hotels is $1,500 per month upon presentation of a passport or its copy. There are no restrictions on payments using electronic means (credit and debit cards, payment terminals).

Credit Cards: Visa and Master Card credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. American Express is less commonly used.

Phone

International telephone calls can be made from hotels or from pay phones, a call from which is much cheaper than from a hotel. In many hotels, you need to pay even for the call that did not end with the connection with the subscriber. Telephone rates are quite high due to the high tax – 49%. In order to call to Russia, you need to dial 00 – international access, then 7 – the code of Russia, then the area code + subscriber number. Russian mobile phones are functioning in Mexico.

You cannot buy a local phone sim card because to use it, you must have a registration of a Mexican taxpayer.

Shops and shopping

Shops are usually open from 9.00 – 10.00 to 19.00 – 22.00 with a traditional “siesta” break from 13.00 to 16.00, the day off is Sunday. For souvenirs, you can choose a variety of clothes from local fabrics – huipil, sarape, reboso. Worthy of attention are ceramic plates, jugs, tiles. Many are attracted by gold, copper, silverware, painting on amate paper or wooden masks and musical instruments.

Health care

All visitors are provided with medical insurance. We advise you to carefully read the insurance conditions set out in your policy. In the event of an insured event, it is necessary to contact the service company, the phone number of which is indicated in the insurance policy, or contact the guide. We recommend that you bring any medicines you usually use with you. Mexico is a country with an increased risk of gastrointestinal diseases, so it is recommended to give up street food, and buy drinking water only in bottles and only in stores.

For medical advice, please contact the hotel reception. You will pay for the doctor’s services on site, but you should take a receipt for his services to give to your insurance agent upon your return. In case of hospitalization – immediately contact your insurance company to pay the costs.

Water: Tap water is not drunk in Mexico, but it is good for bathing and brushing your teeth. Drinking water is bought in stores. Ice is also made from it, which is added to your drinks.

Tips

It is customary in restaurants to tip about 10% of your order. Tipping in the amount of 1 – 2 dollars is customary to give for small services.

Electricity

The mains voltage is 110 volts. Plugs and sockets do not comply with European standards (flat plug) – an adapter is required, which can be purchased from the store or asked at the reception. We recommend that you take care of the power adapter in advance. In Mexico, the mains voltage is 110 volts, socket: two narrow entrances. Not all hotels can provide you with an adapter.

Mexico Brief Information